Early Life and Family Background
Narendra Damodardas Modi was born on 17 September 1950 in Vadnagar, a small town in northeastern Gujarat. He was the third of six children born to Damodardas Mulchand Modi and Hiraben Modi, who belonged to a Gujarati Hindu family from the Other Backward Class (OBC). Modi’s childhood was modest; his father ran a small tea stall at the Vadnagar railway station, where Narendra often helped out, experiences that he later described as foundational to his understanding of common people’s struggles.
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| Prime Minister of India | |
| Born | 17 September 1950 |
| Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Education |
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| Residence | 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi |
| Spouse | Jashodaben Modi (m. 1968; sep. 1971)
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From a young age, Modi displayed an interest in debate and theatre. Teachers noted his skill in public speaking and his ability to portray larger-than-life characters, qualities that would later help him in political communication. At the age of eight, Modi was introduced to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where he attended shakhas (training sessions) and met Lakshmanrao Inamdar, his mentor in political and social activities. During his teenage years, he also joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and began engaging in social and religious activities across northern India.
In 1968, his family arranged his marriage to Jashodaben Chimanlal, who was 17 at the time, while Narendra was 18. Soon after, he left home to travel and explore spiritual and political avenues, only publicly acknowledging the marriage decades later in 2014.
Education and Early Spiritual Journeys
Modi completed his higher secondary education in Vadnagar in 1967. Though considered an average student academically, he excelled in debates, theatre, and organizational skills. Between 1968 and 1970, he traveled extensively across India, visiting religious and spiritual centers such as Belur Math near Kolkata, the Advaita Ashrama in Almora, and Ramakrishna Mission in Rajkot. These experiences exposed him to Hindu philosophy and the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, which influenced his ideological outlook.
In 1978, Modi earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science from Delhi University through the School of Open Learning. In 1983, he completed his Master’s degree in Political Science from Gujarat University, graduating with first-class honors. However, questions about the authenticity of his academic qualifications have been raised over the years, though they did not significantly impact his political career.
Early Political Career and the Emergency Period (1970s–1980s)
| Assumed office 26 May 2014 | |||
| President | Pranab Mukherjee Ram Nath Kovind Droupadi Murmu | ||
| Vice President | Mohammad Hamid Ansari Venkaiah Naidu Jagdeep Dhankhar | ||
| Preceded by | Manmohan Singh | ||
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Incumbent | |||
| Assumed office 26 May 2014 | |||
| Deputy | Gopinath Munde Sushma Swaraj Rajnath Singh Nitin Gadkari | ||
| Speaker | Sumitra Mahajan Om Birla | ||
| Preceded by | Sushilkumar Shinde | ||
Incumbent | |||
| Assumed office 5 June 2014 | |||
| Preceded by | Murli Manohar Joshi | ||
| Constituency | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | ||
| In office 7 October 2001 – 22 May 2014 | |||
| Governor |
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| Preceded by | Keshubhai Patel | ||
| Succeeded by | Anandiben Patel | ||
| In office 15 December 2002 – 16 May 2014 | |||
| Preceded by | Kamlesh Patel | ||
| Succeeded by | Suresh Patel | ||
| Constituency | Maninagar | ||
| In office 24 February 2002 – 19 July 2002 | |||
| Preceded by | Vajubhai Vala | ||
| Succeeded by | Vajubhai Vala | ||
| Constituency | Rajkot II | ||
| In office 5 January 1998[1] – 7 October 2001 | |||
| Preceded by | Kushabhau Thakre | ||
| Succeeded by | Sanjay Joshi | ||
Modi’s political activism began in earnest during the Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. Many opposition leaders were jailed, and political organizations were banned. Modi became the general secretary of the Gujarat Lok Sangharsh Samiti, coordinating protests against the Emergency, printing pamphlets, and establishing safe houses for political activists. At times, he traveled in disguise, including dressing as a monk or Sikh, to avoid arrest.
In 1971, Modi became a full-time pracharak (campaigner) for the RSS, organizing community work, social campaigns, and political events. By 1985, he was assigned to the BJP, where he demonstrated exceptional organizational skills. He helped strategize municipal and state elections in Gujarat, earning recognition as a talented political strategist.
Rise within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
During the late 1980s and 1990s, Modi played crucial roles in BJP campaigns, including L.K. Advani’s Ram Rath Yatra (1990) and Murli Manohar Joshi’s Ekta Yatra (1991–92). He briefly took a break from politics in 1992 to establish a school in Ahmedabad but returned due to party needs. In 1995, Modi helped the BJP win the Gujarat state assembly elections and was appointed national secretary in 1996.
He further strengthened the party by managing internal conflicts and factionalism, particularly following Shankersinh Vaghela’s defection. In 1998, he was promoted to BJP general secretary (organization), cementing his influence in Gujarat and national politics.
Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001–2014)
Appointment and Initial Challenges
In October 2001, Modi replaced Keshubhai Patel as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. His appointment came amid political turmoil and public dissatisfaction with Patel’s handling of corruption and the 2001 Bhuj earthquake. Modi immediately faced the challenge of preparing the BJP for upcoming state elections.
2002 Gujarat Riots
On 27 February 2002, a train carrying Hindu pilgrims from Ayodhya was set on fire near Godhra, killing around 60 people. The following days witnessed widespread communal riots, primarily targeting Muslims. The official death toll was 1,044, while independent sources estimated over 2,000 fatalities. Modi’s government faced criticism for failing to prevent the violence, though a Special Investigation Team later found no evidence to prosecute him.
Despite the controversy, Modi led the BJP to a decisive victory in the 2002 Gujarat state elections, marking the start of a long tenure that emphasized economic growth and infrastructure development.
Economic and Infrastructure Growth
Under Modi, Gujarat experienced rapid industrial growth and infrastructure expansion. Key initiatives included:
- Vibrant Gujarat Summit: Attracted domestic and foreign investments worth trillions of rupees.
- Power Reforms: Jyotigram Yojana improved electricity supply to farmers and industries.
- Agriculture and Water Management: Initiatives like the Sardar Sarovar Dam enhanced irrigation.
- Industrialization: Creation of technology parks, financial hubs, and investment-friendly policies.
However, critics argued that the state’s growth disproportionately benefited the wealthy and industrialists, leaving marginalized communities, including Muslims, Dalits, and Adivasis, behind in human development indicators.
Prime Minister of India (2014–Present)
2014 Election and First Term
The BJP, led by Modi, won a historic majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Modi’s campaign emphasized economic development, anti-corruption measures, and governance reforms. Key initiatives during his first term included:
- Demonetization (2016): Withdrawn ₹500 and ₹1,000 banknotes to curb black money.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST, 2017): Simplified taxation across states.
- Digital India: Promoted digital governance and connectivity.
- Social Welfare: Ujjwala Scheme for LPG access and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for housing.
2019 Election and Second Term
Modi’s 2019 campaign focused on national security and the Balakot airstrikes against alleged terror camps in Pakistan. The BJP secured a second consecutive term. Major measures included:
- Abrogation of Article 370: Revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
- Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): Controversially granted citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries.
- Triple Talaq Law: Criminalized instant divorce for Muslim women.
- Farm Laws: Initially introduced but later repealed following nationwide protests.
2024 Election and Third Term
In 2024, Modi retained his seat in Varanasi and continued as Prime Minister, leading the NDA coalition despite a slight decline in BJP seats. His campaign highlighted development promises under the slogan “Modi Ki Guarantee”.
Foreign Policy and Defence
Global Relations
Modi strengthened ties with the United States, Russia, Israel, and Middle Eastern nations while maintaining a neutral stance during the Russia–Ukraine conflict. He advanced India’s “Act East Policy,” focusing on Southeast Asian economic integration.
Military Operations
Modi’s government carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan (2016) and Balakot airstrikes (2019). Tensions with China escalated during the 2020 Ladakh border clashes, with India working diplomatically to manage the situation.
Defense Modernization
Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India emphasized domestic defense production and modernization, including the acquisition of the S-400 missile system from Russia and reforms in defense procurement processes.
Economic Policies and Reforms
Modi’s tenure focused on economic liberalization, foreign direct investment, and industrial growth. Initiatives included:
- Make in India: Boost manufacturing and attract investment.
- Corporate Tax Cuts: Encouraged business expansion.
- Social Welfare Spending: Reduced allocation for healthcare and education while increasing capital expenditure in infrastructure.
- Despite these reforms, unemployment and GDP slowdown posed challenges, and critics cited rising social inequality and diminished focus on human development.
Environmental Policies
Modi launched the International Solar Alliance and committed India to carbon neutrality by 2070. While reducing regulatory oversight in industries, his government also promoted renewable energy and ethanol blending, achieving notable environmental milestones.
Democratic Backsliding and Criticism
Under Modi, concerns have arisen regarding the weakening of democratic institutions, freedom of expression, and minority rights. Critics argue that centralization of power, the promotion of Hindu nationalism, and controversial laws have eroded India’s pluralistic democratic framework.
Public Image and Popular Culture
Modi is known for his disciplined lifestyle, distinctive attire, and communication skills. Initiatives like Mann Ki Baat and Pariksha Pe Charcha have strengthened his connection with the public. His life has inspired films, documentaries, and web series, including PM Narendra Modi (2019) and Modi: Journey of a Common Man (2019).
Awards and International Recognition
Modi has received several awards, including:
- UN Champions of the Earth (2018)
- Seoul Peace Prize (2018)
- Legion of Merit, USA (2020)
- Order of St. Andrew, Russia (2024)
- Order of the Niger, Nigeria (2024)
Writing and Contributions to Culture
He has authored books like Exam Warriors and Jyotipunj, and contributed to Gujarati Garba songs. One of his speeches promoting millet even received a Grammy nomination (2024), showing his influence beyond politics.
Conclusion
Narendra Modi’s journey from a small-town tea seller to India’s Prime Minister is a story of resilience, strategic thinking, and ambition. His tenure has been marked by rapid economic reforms, foreign policy assertiveness, and national development initiatives. At the same time, controversies over communal policies, democratic backsliding, and social inequality continue to spark debate, making him one of the most influential and debated figures in modern Indian history.
References
- Maheshwari, S. (2021) Prime minister Narendra Modi no. 1 in Global Approval Ratings, survey has done amid corona crisis., Scoop Beats. Available at: https://thescoopbeats.com/prime-minister-narendra-modi-no-1-in-global-approval-ratings-survey-has-done-amid-corona-crisis/ (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Narendra Modi (2025) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Narendra-Modi (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Pti (2023) Opposition will remain in opposition with reduced strength in 2024 LS polls: PM modi, accuses them of ‘indirectly’ supporting Parliament Security breach, PM Narendra Modi | Opposition will remain in opposition with reduced strength in 2024 LS polls: PM Modi, accuses them of ‘indirectly’ supporting Parliament security breach - Telegraph India. Available at: https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/opposition-will-remain-in-opposition-with-reduced-strength-in-2024-ls-polls-pm-modi-accuses-them-of-indirectly-supporting-parliament-security-breach/cid/1987986 (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Saran, S. (2023a) Narendra Modi and his soaring popularity, orfonline.org. Available at: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/narendra-modi-and-his-soaring-popularity-51400 (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Saran, S. (2023b) Narendra Modi and his soaring popularity, orfonline.org. Available at: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/narendra-modi-and-his-soaring-popularity-51400 (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Sekhar, - Metla Sudha et al. (no date) Gulmarg has become winter sports capital of India: PM modi, The Economic Times. Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/gulmarg-has-become-winter-sports-capital-of-india-pm-modi/articleshow/117210846.cms?from=mdr (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
